A Need To Pop When Running

[minnie76]

I have been running for years and in the last year i have this overwhelming need when running to have to poo!! this can be for a 3 miles or a 13 miles, there is no explanation. i have tried Imodium which does not work! When i need to go i have to go, there is no waiting to find a private place to go! i know it is going to be difficult to participate in an organised runs and it is spoiling my love of running.
The GP has not been helpful at all and not offer any advice or a referral to a specialist ( i guess they are not runners). My question is who can i privately refer myself to or is there any advice people can offer! thanks

[LadyCG]

How far into a typical run do you feel the symptoms coming on?

[RATTER15]

I think any physical activity is likely to cause such an issue, the problem that when running, you are unlikely to be neer the loo. You arent the only one. I think the only think you can do is try and empty out before you go. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=runner+pooping+while+running

[Sqad]

What medication are you on,if any and are you taking any dietary or health supplements?

[minnie76]

- no medication
- it can be anything from 1 mile into the run
- i understand it happens to lots of people but i want to sort it, it’s embarrassing having to go there and then!!!i am sticking to trail and canals so i have easy access to trees

[gulliver1]

Does it feel like the runs.?

[minnie76]

it is the runs….nothing solid comes out and i have to go as soon as i feel the need to go (sorry to be graphic)

[LadyCG]

Odd... I wonder whether it's a histamine-mediated thing.

Exercise is one of the biggest triggers of spontaneous histamine (non-IgE-mediated) release and can often cause idiopathic angioedema and urticaria. I wonder whether this is an atypical presentation of inappropriate histamine release?

Sqad may come up with something much more rational than this though.

[LadyCG]

You mention that you have tried Imodium and that doesn't work, which is interesting.

It would certainly not hurt to take a non-sedating antihistamine at least an hour before you go for a run, just to see if it made a difference.

[10ClarionSt]

Go for a run round your garden before you set off on your main run. See what happens. No good when you're in a race though is it?

[Sqad]

I have no idea and unfortunately cannot add to this thread.

This may not be exercise related and as you are so concerned, ask your GP for a referral private or otherwise.

[minnie76]

sqad - if the GP won’t make a referral what specialist would recommend

LAdyCG - where would i get non-sedating antihistamine from - is there a specific brand or name i could ask for?

[AuntPG]

minnie76 most antihistamine tablets these days are non-sedating. Ask your Pharmacist for advice if you want to go down that avenue but take advice from medical professionals like sqad, not those who pretend to be.

[anneasquith]

LOL……….. no disrespect to you Minnie .. Ditto sqad .

[LadyCG]

Minnie, try Loratadine or Cetirizine. Those are the ones most recommended by the two Immunologists I work for at weekends. This is their Speciality so they frequently recommend this as a first line of treatment.

Please note though that Cetirizine can have a sedative effect in 10% of people after a second dose.

[douglas9401]

Have you considered the onset of inflammatory bowel disease?

[LadyCG]

At least I have a job. It beats being unemployed and single in a bedsit in Belfast.

[anneasquith]

Who are you addressing the Q to Douglas ?

[Mamyalynne]

On the days that you don't run are your bowel movements normal?

[LadyCG]

Certainly worth considering, Douglas, but IBD doesn't tend to be exercise-provoked. Also the OP makes no mention of cramping, blood, mucous, mouth ulcers etc. However, it could be an atypical presentation and in all likelihood a Gastroenterologist would be the first expert a GP would refer to in this instance, to rule out a GI cause. If a GI cause is ruled out and other extensive tests fail to identify a cause, the Gastros often send the patients to the Immunologists.

Funnily enough I worked for a Consultant Gastroenterologist (who was Clinical Lead for IBD) until Feb this year.